Mission

Story Parlor is a multi-disciplinary arts space dedicated to storytelling and the exploration of the human condition, for the community and by the community. Committed to impacting positive change through the transformative power of storytelling through all art mediums, Story Parlor champions narrative artists through events, classes, community building, and advocacy. 

Core Values + Objectives

• Connect audiences and artists from varying creative backgrounds and interests

• Inform, inspire, and invigorate through the arts

• Promote and foster self-inquiry and mindfulness

• Cultivate creative exchange and cultural insight

• Foster authenticity and inclusiveness

What We Are

Story
“We're all made of stories. When they finally put us underground, the stories are what will go on. …It's a kind of immortality, I suppose, bounded by limits, it's true, but then so's everything.”
— Charles de Lint

Parlor
From the French verb “parle” which means “to speak,” a parlor is traditionally a room used for the reception and entertainment of guests. 

storytelling through art
—

Located in West Asheville, Story Parlor is a narrative arts venue that serves as a home to the creative community of Western North Carolina. A true listening room and experiential learning space, Story Parlor features events and classes that celebrate storytelling through all art mediums.

Our origin story dates back to 2015 in Austin, Texas, with the launch of Story Bar—a vagabond arts initiative with the mission of connecting artists and audiences through multi-disciplinary programming. After five years of showcasing the stories of poets, actors, musicians, writers, dancers, visual artists, and other performers, Story Bar’s chapter in Austin came to a close. In 2022, the organization rebranded as Story Parlor, opening its doors in Asheville with the continued goal of fostering creative exchange.

We are all creative, and we all have a story to tell, and Story Parlor exists to bridge these two universal truths together. Our mission is rooted in the belief that at this intersection, we can foster connection, spark imagination, and build a vibrant community. 

Who We Are

Erin Hallagan Clare
Founder/Artistic Director

Matthew Clare
Partner

Talya Reynolds
Development & Operations Director


The Story Board

Erin Hallagan Clare

Mildred Barya

Nina Hart

Timothy Hearn

Shunyu Huang

Alli Marshall

Natalie McCann

Ali McGhee

Jasmin Pittman Morrell

Carolina Quiroga

Starr Sariego

Christopher Thomas


>> The Story Board <<

What We Do

Events + Gatherings
Classes/Workshops
Community Opportunities
Story Parlor Hour